Situated northeast of Kyoto in Japan’s Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa is Japan’s biggest freshwater lake and a prime recreational destination. The lake offers excellent fishing and bird watching opportunities. Several interesting cities are dotted along the lake’s shores, including captivating Hikone, with its 17th century Japanese castle; Omihachiman, a historical town that is home to the Azuchi Castle Archaeology Museum; Moriyama, with its modern art museum set over a series of ponds; and Nagahama, with its excellent brewery. Visitors can see historic temples along the adjoining canal on boat cruises offering delicious local cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the sacred Chikubu-Shima Island, a charming tiny island on the lake where, according to legend, the goddess Benzaiten descended more than 1300 years ago. The main building of the island’s Tsukubu Suma Shrine is classified as a National Treasure.